A building permit is required to construct, alter, or demolish a structure or to install a sign. A building permit must be obtained before the start of any work and must be prominently posted at the job site.

It is considered to be a conflict of interest for the Building Department to refer a contractor or builder to you. There is a list of permits that were filed for work being performed in town that has the contractor’s name / address / phone number.

No building permit is required for accessory building. A zoning compliance form is required. An accessory building that is located in the rear yard requires a 5-foot setback from the side and rear property lines, and must be located at least 15 feet away from any other building on the lot. If located anywhere else on the property, setbacks will be determined according to the district.

Setbacks change with the zoning districts in which they are located. Zoning districts can be determined by consulting the zoning map (PDF) / zoning bylaw (PDF) or by calling the Building Department any weekday during business hours.

All requests for zoning enforcement must be made in writing. For enforcement purposes, Town Counsel has advised that requests for zoning enforcement must be signed with the complainant standing behind his/her allegations if court action is warranted.

There are provisions in the State Building Code for homeowners to sign a “Homeowner Builders’ License Exemption” form in that the homeowner assumes responsibility for compliance with the state building code and other applicable codes, bylaws, rules, and regulations. However, when a homeowner signs the waiver from the Home Improvement Contractor registration, he will not have access to the arbitration program or guaranty fund, as set forth under MGL C. 142A. A homeowner must live on the premises to sign the exemption form and it is not meant for resale fixer-uppers.